Canadian phenom highlights draw at Odlum Brown VanOpen
AUGER-ALIASSIME, 17, AMONG WORLD CLASS TALENTS SET TO COMPETE AT HOLLYBURN COUNTRY CLUB FROM AUG 11-19
There is a whole serving of topranked tennis talent headed to Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver this month for the Odlum Brown VanOpen – an ATP Challenger Tour event for men and an ITF Pro Circuit event for women, that combine to be the largest professional tennis tournament in the Pacific Northwest.
Ten of the the top 150 male players in the world will be playing in this year’s VanOpen, and one name that stands out is 17-year-old Montreal native Felix Auger-Aliassime, the youngest teenager to crack the ATP top 200 since Rafael Nadal in 2002. Auger-Aliassime recently broke into the top 150 after advancing to the semi-finals at the Marburg Open and looks poised for a strong showing in West Vancouver.
“We are excited to hear that Felix has committed to playing in our event,” said Odlum Brown VanOpen Tournament Director Rik de Voest. “We have followed his fantastic results recently, and as one of the NextGen ATP players, we look forward to hosting him in our world class city and have him showcase his skills and talents to tennis fans in Vancouver.”
Plenty of competition stands in his way, including 2018 French Open men’s doubles champion PierreHughes Herbert, ranked 79th in the world, and Jordan Thompson, ranked 98th and last year’s runner-up in the tournament. de Voest said he is thrilled to have another competitive field of players after last year’s event was named the ATP Challenger Tour Tournament of the Year.
In women’s singles, two-time Tennis Canada Female Player of the Year Rebecca Marino will be headlining a competitive draw alongside fellow Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski, who recently won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open in January.
“The caliber of player we’ve attracted is world class and we are honored that they have chosen to participate in our award-winning event,” said de Voest.
Historically, the tournament has been a hotbed for prospective talent. Notable alumni include former world #1 ranked Maria Sharapova, who won the first ever VanOpen in 2002 at age 15, and Milos Raonic’s back in 2010, who has become one of the most successful Canadian tennis players in history.
The tournament kicks off with free admission on Saturday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, Aug. 12. Afternoon and evening matches will take place throughout the week, and the tournament wraps up with the men’s and women’s singles finals and men’s doubles final on Aug. 19. de Voest said he and his crew have improved upon last year’s event to create an exciting, active atmosphere for new and diehard tennis fans that goes beyond just watching tennis. That includes the Vendor Village, KIDS’ DAY presented by Fresh St. Market on Aug. 15, and a “Try It” day for wheelchair tennis, giving fans the chance to play tennis in a specialized tennis wheelchair. Join the festivities at the Opening Ceremonies on Centre Court on Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 6:15 p.m. with special guest Rick Hansen.